The Creative Niche: The Space Between Faith & Business

Crystal Creek Glass | Window Creations
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

The Creative Niche Podcast explores the space between faith and business. Featuring conversations with Christian entrepreneurs, faith-driven leaders, church leadership, and family business owners, we discuss calling in the marketplace, legacy-minded companies, innovation in traditional industries, and leading with conviction. If you believe your work is more than a career, this podcast is for you.

  1. Jul 8

    Lessons From A 4th Generation Family Business with Mike Bendele

    What does it take to build a business that lasts for generations? In this episode of The Creative Niche, we sit down with Mike Bendele of Ottoville Hardware & Furniture to hear the lessons learned from a fourth-generation family business with more than 90 years of history. Mike shares how his grandfather’s small hardware store grew into a lasting family legacy, why he chose to join the business alongside his brothers, and what he’s learned through decades of serving customers and working with family. From navigating challenges and making tough decisions to training the next generation, Mike reflects on the values that have carried the business forward: hard work, humility, adaptability, and taking care of people. We also discuss the long relationship between the Bendele family and Window Creations, the importance of learning through example, and the unforgettable story of how the community showed up when disaster struck. It’s a conversation about family, leadership, and the everyday choices that build something worth passing down.

  2. Jun 3

    More Than a Sale | Building Trust, Community, and Business with Adam Anspach

    What happens when you build a business around relationships instead of transactions? In this episode of The Creative Niche, we sit down with Adam Anspach, co-owner of Advanced Insurance Group, to talk about entrepreneurship, family business, and the role trust plays in long-term success. Adam shares the story of leaving a corporate career, acquiring multiple insurance agencies in just a few years, and building a growing company alongside his brother. Along the way, we discuss what it takes to navigate growth, preserve culture, and lead a team through change. At the heart of the conversation is a simple philosophy: business isn’t just about making a sale. It’s about earning trust, serving people well, and building relationships that last. We also explore faith, work ethic, community involvement, investing in small towns, and the responsibility business owners have to give back to the places they call home. It’s a conversation about leadership, relationships, and why the most meaningful success is often measured by people, not numbers.

  3. Mar 25

    The Business of Relationships: Lessons in Trust, Growth, and Community with Tim Copsey

    What does it really take to grow a business, build relationships, and create long-term impact in your community? In this episode of The Creative Niche, we sit down with Tim Copsey of Paulding County Economic Development to talk about the intersection of business, relationships, and local growth. From his early days in manufacturing at Paragon Tempered Glass to his role in economic development today, Tim shares what he’s learned about trust, networking, and helping others succeed. At the heart of the conversation is a simple but powerful idea: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know… or who you’re willing to ask or talk to.” We explore how relationships drive opportunity, why honesty matters in business, and how investing in people creates momentum that extends far beyond a single transaction. 00:11 Introduction: Tim Copsey00:26 Early Business Relationship & Company Growth02:10 Sales vs Networking – What Drives Success04:42 Transitioning into Sales & Leadership18:30 Paulding County Economic Development Explained26:07 Property Taxes & Business Impact Discussion29:10 Columbaria Projects in Paulding County30:04 Growth of Cremation & Cemetery Industry Trends36:42 Sales Advice: Listen More Than You Talk45:50 Future Growth of Paulding County

  4. Mar 4

    The Meaning of Lent and the Stations of the Cross with Fr. Ned Brown

    What is the meaning of Lent, and why do Christians pray the Stations of the Cross?In this episode of The Creative Niche, Father Ned Brown shares how the Stations of the Cross help believers walk with Christ through the events leading to the crucifixion. During the season of Lent, Christians reflect on Christ’s journey to the Cross and prepare their hearts for the celebration of Easter.Later in the conversation, Father Ned explains how these prayers invite believers to accompany Christ through suffering while remembering that the story ultimately leads to the hope of the Resurrection.Along the way, we also talk about life and faith in western Ohio’s “Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches,” the role parish communities play in small towns, and how sacred spaces and church traditions continue to shape generations of families — including the creation of a Stations of the Cross prayer garden in Fort Recovery, designed to give parishioners a place to reflect and pray.It’s a warm and thoughtful conversation about Lent, faith, community, and walking with Christ on the journey toward Easter.

  5. Feb 18

    Local Leadership, Work Ethic & Responsibility with Thad Lichtensteiger

    In this episode of The Creative Niche Podcast, we sit down with Thad Lichtensteiger for a candid conversation about what it really looks like to lead at the local level. From courthouse restoration to property taxes, downtown momentum to farming roots, this discussion moves through the realities of small-town leadership and the steady work that keeps a community moving forward. Thad shares how work ethic, responsibility, and long-term thinking shape the decisions that affect everyday life. If you’ve ever wondered how towns function, how leaders balance growth with restraint, or why hard work still matters in public service, this conversation offers a thoughtful look inside. 🎙️ The Creative Niche Podcast explores faith, leadership, creativity, and the real work behind building things that last. 0:00 – Welcome to The Creative Niche with Van Wert County Commissioner Thad Lichtensteiger 2:15 – How Ohio County Commissioners Actually Work 6:30 – Revitalizing Downtown Van Wert: What Worked and Why 11:40 – How Community Foundations Fund Small-Town Comebacks 16:50 – The Lincoln Highway, Historic Hotels, and Van Wert’s Early Boom 22:30 – Land Banks Explained: Eliminating Blight and Rebuilding Communities 29:10 – How Towns Win or Lose New Businesses 35:40 – Why Property Taxes and Home Values Spiked So Fast 42:50 – Can Property Taxes Be Eliminated? The Real Impact on Local Services 50:10 – Government Spending, Inflation, and Stabilizing Local Economies 58:40 – Restoring the Van Wert County Courthouse and Historic Stained Glass 1:09:30 – Craftsmanship, Legacy, and Preserving 100-Year-Old Architecture 1:18:45 – Work Ethic, Farming Roots, and Raising the Next Generation

  6. Feb 4

    Purpose-Driven Leadership That Refuses to Coast with Reggie Buehrer

    In this episode of The Creative Niche Podcast, we sit down with Reggie Buehrer for a candid conversation about innovation, purpose, and what it means to build a business with the future in mind. Reggie speaks from decades of experience as an entrepreneur and founder, addressing the reality that innovation is rarely clean or predictable. He shares why research and development are often costly and uncomfortable, why value matters more than novelty, and why businesses that stop moving forward inevitably fall behind. The conversation also explores applying innovation in defined markets like churches and cemeteries, where adding value means respecting tradition while thoughtfully introducing new possibilities. Reggie explains why growth must be intentional, especially when you’re building for the next generation rather than coasting toward retirement. Throughout the episode, Reggie returns to a central idea: purpose drives progress. Comfort may feel safe, but it rarely leads anywhere meaningful. Vision, responsibility, and a willingness to stay uncomfortable are what keep businesses, teams, and leaders moving forward. 🎙️ The Creative Niche Podcast explores faith, leadership, creativity, and the real work behind building something that lasts. 00:00 Introduction: Innovation & Entrepreneurship 01:46 Digital Printed Art Glass & New Product Launching 04:46 Technology Disruption: Kodak, Blockbuster & Netflix 10:31 Calculated Risk-Taking in Business 12:46 Entrepreneur vs Employee Mindset 17:31 R&D Costs, Innovation & Pivoting 22:16 Learning Through Failure & Experimentation 25:46 Why Innovation Drives Sales 29:16 Marketing Strategy & Target Audience 33:16 Creating Customer Value 36:46 Innovation in Stained Glass, Churches & Cemeteries 40:16 The Danger of Coasting in Business 42:46 Final Thoughts: Innovate & Keep Growing

  7. Jan 21

    Worship, Revival, and Faith Under Persecution with Tom Emerine

    In this episode of The Creative Niche Podcast, we sit down with worship leader and artist Tom Emerine for a conversation centered on worship, revival, and faith lived out under pressure. Tom reflects on years of leading worship, seasons of stepping away from visible ministry, and how obedience to God does not always follow a predictable path. From there, the discussion moves outward to what Tom is witnessing today through relationships and conversations around the world, many of which began through his work as an artist and the doors that creative work has opened. The episode includes firsthand accounts of revival among Muslim-background believers, including individuals in Iran who have come to faith in Christ through dreams, personal encounters, and underground relationships. Tom shares stories of converts facing loss of family, imprisonment, violence, and ongoing persecution for choosing to follow Jesus, and how worship continues to exist in these environments outside of church buildings or public gatherings. We also talk about the difference between knowing Scripture and knowing God, the role of worship beyond music or platform, and how faith takes on new meaning when belief carries real consequences.0:00 Introduction & guest welcome2:10 Tom’s faith journey and worship ministry7:20 From mocking worship to answering God’s call12:45 Global connections through art and devotionals17:30 Revival stories from the Muslim world25:20 Faith under persecution30:15 Using business and art as ministry37:00 Perseverance, failure, and success in pottery45:20 We are the clay – faith and transformation55:30 Closing thoughts and encouragement

  8. Jan 7

    Family Feature: What It’s Really Like Working With Your Brother

    In this family feature episode of The Creative Niche Podcast, Jason sits down with his brother Josh for an honest conversation about what it’s really like working together in a family business.They talk about growing up around the shop, finding their own paths, and eventually finding their way back to work side by side. From learning when to stay in your lane to building trust through shared responsibility, this episode offers a real look at family, faith, and the everyday decisions that shape their work at Window Creations and Crystal Creek Glass.00:00 Welcome to The Creative Niche | Josh Buehrer02:10 Working with Family in Business04:30 Dad’s Work Ethic & Building the Family Business06:00 Specialization, Roles & Avoiding Conflict08:55 Josh's Journey Back to the Family Business14:05 College vs Real-World Experience18:55 Handling Disagreements in a Family Business26:30 Building People to Grow a Business29:55 Faith, Values & Company Culture46:55 Final Advice: Integrity & Enjoy the Journey

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The Creative Niche Podcast explores the space between faith and business. Featuring conversations with Christian entrepreneurs, faith-driven leaders, church leadership, and family business owners, we discuss calling in the marketplace, legacy-minded companies, innovation in traditional industries, and leading with conviction. If you believe your work is more than a career, this podcast is for you.

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